International Expert on Groundwater (Hydrogeologist)

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Field Office

Duty Station: Bangkok

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 19-JAN-2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

1. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The Cambodia–Mekong River Delta Aquifer (CMDA) is a critical transboundary groundwater system shared by Cambodia and Viet Nam, supporting ecosystems and livelihoods for over 35 million people. The CMDA project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by FAO, aims to strengthen sustainability through improved governance and science-based diagnostics. UNESCO plays a central role in delivering technical outputs under Component 1 (Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis), Component 3 (Monitoring and Cooperation Mechanisms), and Component 5 (Institutional Capacity, Gender Mainstreaming, and Coordination).
At the same time, UNESCO Bangkok is implementing the Adaptation Fund project on Groundwater Resources in the Greater Mekong Subregion (AF GRG), which focuses on collaborative management to increase climate resilience. This project requires strong technical coordination, conceptual modelling, and timely reporting to meet donor compliance and support regional cooperation.
This consultancy is for an International Expert who can provide dual leadership:
•    For CMDA: Support technical and project coordination, hydrogeological assessments and conceptual model development for Output 1.1 (Assessment of groundwater resources, recharge and extraction dynamics).
•    For AF GRG: Support technical and project coordination, hydrogeological conceptual modelling, and reporting tasks to ensure timely delivery of climate resilience outputs.
This consultancy will therefore bridge both projects, ensuring synergy between transboundary groundwater governance under CMDA and climate adaptation objectives under the AF GRG

2. PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT 

Provide strategic technical support and project coordination across CMDA and AF GRG, with specific leadership for CMDA Output 1.1 (Assessment of groundwater resources, recharge and extraction dynamics), and support to AF GRG technical coordination, conceptual modelling, and reporting to ensure timely delivery of climate resilience outcome

Objectives:
•    Timely initiation and execution of CMDA and AF GRG workplans and activities.
•    Monitor Annual Workplan (AWP) milestones and finance and reporting regularly to the UNESCO Regional Coordinator.
•    Provide technical leadership in hydrogeology and project management for CMDA Output 1.1.
•    Support AF GRG activities, including coordination, and technical input, and reporting.
•    Provide quality assurance and harmonisation across both projects. Effective coordination with national and international experts and partners.

3. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Common tasks for both projects
•    Coordinate groundwater activities across both projects, ensuring alignment with methodologies and timelines.
•    Monitor AWP milestones and finance and contribute to progress reporting.
•    Provide methodological and technical guidance to UNESCO national offices and experts to achieve harmonized inputs.
•    Lead coordination of national and international experts and support contracting processes with clear roles, deliverables, and timelines.
•    Embed and apply hydrogeological and climate resilience metrics and indicators for monitoring groundwater outcomes.
•    Harmonize methodologies and oversee integration of hydrogeological and climate data across projects.
•    Incorporate gender-sensitive considerations into hydrogeological outputs in coordination with the Gender Specialist.
•    Develop groundwater conceptual and numerical models with adaptation-focused design and technical inputs.
•    Develop technical content for capacity-building workshops and training modules on groundwater modelling, MAR feasibility, and climate resilience integration.
•    Organize and deliver UNESCO workshops and technical sessions, including validation and modelling training.
•    Develop and implement Quality Assurance (QA) protocols, validate data gaps, and ensure Results-Based Management (RBM) compliance.
B. CMDA specific tasks (Output 1.1 – Assessment of Current State of Groundwater Resources, Recharge and Extraction Dynamics)
•    Prepare and coordinate technical contributions for the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA).
•    Review, validate, and compile national analyses into a consolidated report summarizing UNESCO contributions to the TDA.
•    Coordinate with National Agencies, FAO, IUCN, and MERFI for CMDA implementation.
C. CMDA Component 3.1
•    Propose technical framework for groundwater monitoring system (preparatory only and does not include procurement, installation, or governance negotiations)
D. AF GRG specific tasks
•    Organizes the Project Steering Committee.
•    Contribute technical input to environmental and social risk screening for adaptation measures and support Environmental and Social Policy (ESP)  and the Gender Action Plan (GAP) documentation for compliance with Adaptation Fund safeguards.
•    Leads on Inception Workshop agenda, compliance, QA, official endorsement, and Inception Workshop report.
•    Provide technical guidance for feasibility screening and design of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) and other adaptive groundwater technologies.
•    Provide structured support for recruitment planning of national positions; finalize and deliver a comprehensive handover plan before contract end.
•    Coordinate with National Agencies, CCOP-TS, IWMI, IGRAC for AF GRG implementation

4. TIMETABLE AND DELIVERABLES

The consultant will be required to work from January to November 2026. The deliverables for this consultancy are outlined below, with provisional submission dates:

Note: Dates aligned with AWP; subject to adjustment based on national expert mobilization.
In line with UNESCO’s overall gender mainstreaming strategy, the Individual Specialist is expected to integrate a gender perspective in all activities and apply gender mainstreaming concepts whenever feasible.

5. LOCATION AND TRAVEL

The consultant will be home-based and work remotely from any location. They must be available for virtual meetings with the UNESCO Bangkok team during official working hours in Bangkok, Thailand (UTC+7).
The consultant will be required to undertake official travel in relation to project implementation during the assignment period. All travel must be in economy class, and the consultant will receive a Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) at the standard UN rate. This rate may be reduced, as necessary, if the number of days exceeds the limits stipulated in the ICSC table of rates. DSA is only payable when travel occurs outside the consultant’s usual place of residence or work.
The consultant is expected to arrange their own travel and will be provided with a lump sum to cover travel-related expenses in accordance with UNESCO’s rules and regulations. All travel costs (e.g., the cost of tickets, terminal fares, and DSA) must be agreed upon and fixed in advance between the consultant and UNESCO.
Expected Travel (tentative):
(i)    Trip 1: Facilitate and provide technical support during the CMDA Inception and Coordination Workshop, tentatively scheduled for February 2026 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Purpose: Launch CMDA activities, validate work plan, and initiate transboundary diagnostic analysis (TDA) process.
(ii)    Trip 2: Co-facilitate and provide technical support during the CMDA Technical Workshop Workshop, tentatively scheduled for July 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
Purpose: Validate conceptual and numerical models, review monitoring framework design, and integrate gender-responsive indicators.
(iii)    Trip 3: Facilitate and provide technical support during the AF GRG Technical Workshop, tentatively scheduled for October 2026 in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
Purpose: Coordinate groundwater resilience activities, harmonize methodologies, and advance conceptual modelling for climate adaptation.

6. SUPERVISORY ARRANGEMENT

The individual Specialist will work under the overall authority of the Regional Director of UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, and the direct supervision of the Deputy Director and Chief of Education Section. Day-to-day technical coordination will be conducted in close consultation with the Programme Coordinator for the Capacity Development for Education (CapED). 

The consultant will maintain regular communication with the UNESCO CapED team through email correspondence and virtual meetings to ensure smooth coordination, progress monitoring, and alignment with programme priorities.

At the start of the assignment, the consultant will participate in an initial online meeting with UNESCO Bangkok to reconfirm the scope and parameters of the consultancy. This meeting will also serve to review and, if necessary, adjust the consultancy work plan and timeline. It will also define the specific sub-tasks and interim deliverables to be carried out by the consultant, as well as clarify the support and inputs expected from UNESCO Bangkok and collaborating partners for the effective implementation of the activities.

7. COMPETENCIES (Core/Managerial

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8. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education
•    An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) hydrogeology, hydrology, or related fields.
Work Experience
•    Minimum 7 years relevant experience, including international exposure.
•    Proven expertise in groundwater modelling and project management.
•    Strong coordination and communication skills.
•    Experience in planning and facilitating technical workshops, consultations, or capacity-building events in groundwater.
•    Prior experience working in multi-stakeholder and cross-cultural environments, preferably in the Asia-Pacific region. 

Skills and Competencies
•    Strong analytical and research skills, and knowledge of groundwater planning, framework development, and participatory methods.
•    Ability to synthesize complex technical inputs and stakeholder feedback into practical recommendations.
•    Proven facilitation skills, particularly in leading technical workshops, consultations, or capacity-building sessions.
•    Proficiency in using digital tools and platforms for remote collaboration, communication, and data collection, if required.
•    Ability to work effectively in multicultural and cross-sectoral teams.
•    Strong facilitation and interpersonal skills, including with diverse stakeholders (e.g., water speciaéists, policymakers, development partners).
Languages
•    Fluency in English (spoken and written).

9. APPLICATION PROCESS

Submission of Application: 
Interested individuals are invited to submit the application and requirements to the UNESCO Careers website at https://careers.unesco.org/careersection/2/joblist.ftl.
Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now” and download and complete the Employment History form (Word document) in ‘Employment History Form / My Documents’. Before uploading the completed form, please add the following documents as extra pages at the end of the Word file:
•    An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a cover letter outlining how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment.
•    Written technical and financial proposal (in English):
     o    A concise Approach to Work and methodology for carrying out the assignment (maximum 3 pages, A4), detailing how you plan to address the specific components of the work assignment, including the intended objectives, outputs, and deliverables. Please include references to relevant examples of successfully completed assignments of a similar nature or comparable assignments.
     o    The proposed consultancy fee for the assignment should be quoted in USD, indicating either a daily or monthly rates or a lump sum amount. The total consultancy fees should include a detailed broken down based on level of effort, time-on-task, or per expected deliverable/output. 
     o    Any anticipated travel expenses must be itemized and presented separately from the consultant fee.
UNESCO places great emphasis on ensuring that the objectives of the work assignment, as described in the Terms of Reference, are met. Accordingly, in evaluating the proposals for the assignment, attention will focus first and foremost on the technical elements. 

From those proposals deemed suitable in terms of the criteria in the Terms of Reference, UNESCO shall select the proposal that offers the Organization best value for money.

Assessment:

•   Only applications providing the information requested in the application procedure will be considered.
•    Evaluation of qualified applicants will include the review of the curriculum vitae, technical proposal, proposed consultancy fee and travel-related cost.
•    Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.
Note:
•    Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidate(s) about the outcome or status of the selection process.
•    Please submit your application through SuccessFactors. Only if you are unable to attach requirements in the􀀁 system, please inform us at ed.bgk@unesco.org

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

10. SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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